Japonesa — Restaurant in Makati

I don't often write a review, but in this case I felt I had to. This was one of the best meals I have had in the Philippines. The Salmon Taridito, was an explosion of complex flavors that kept building in your mouth. I specifically came to this restaurant for this dish and was not disappointed. A true surprise was the Lomo Saltido, a sort of beef stew with potatoes and onions, but the gravy this was in was spectacular a true surprise of richness and abundance of flavor. The sushi was very good and fresh, what you would expect from a Japanese restaurant. What is not expected is the Prussian influence in the skewered meats. A must try is the Kushiyaki beef ternderloin, the meat is good but the chimichuro sauce that accompanies it was one of the best I have ever had. I like a good Old Fashioned cocktail with my meal and the rocks glass served for the old fashioned was very unique the ice was the entire bottom of the glass very nice touch. The only issue I have is with the service, it was adequate but not attentive enough, I would easily have had 2 more old fashions. The other issue with the service is always the food order, it kills me that an appetizer is served after the mains, and all the hot food comes first then the sushi was delivered well after the meal was over. But this won't stop me from coming back here again and again for some of the best food I...

A really uniquely delicious dining experience. I was pleasantly surprised with the fusion of Peruvian/Japanese cuisine. Started with a Hokage cocktail. 7 different spirits with pineapple juice. Very tasty. For food started with Bomba Camarones which had a the perfect mix of sweet and crunchy. Great appetizer! Then the La Japonesa Roll. This was fantastic! Spicy tuna with green chili on a crispy rice bed. Great flavor with the perfect texture. The unagi sushi was also quite nice. This is a basic dish but they added flair by including a very thinly slices piece of avocado topped with a bit of caviar. Not only did it compliment the unagi, but it made the presentation so much better. Lastly the Lengua Katsu. Very interesting twist on a Japanese classic. I felt the potatoes were a little too runny, but all of the ingredients in the dish complimented taste wise quite nicely. The ambiance was also a fusion of Peruvian/Japanese decor which was a very cool vibe. All of the waitstaff were attentive and informative when I had any questions. Kudos to the people behind this creation. Really fun to experience an eatery that tries for something so different and succeeds in doing so. I...

Thoroughly enjoyed our food selection for the start of our Poblacion food crawl at Japonesa. This is located at the corner of Don Pedro and Jacobo Streets in Poblacion, Makati City. A Japanese-Peruvian Dining spot similar to Nikkei in Legaspi Village. Chef Luis Higa has dialed down his flavors a bit to suit the Filipino palate.

Food - 5*, you have to get their signature La Japonesa Rolls (P595, 8 rolls) which hits you like a food explosion. A delightful combination of fried sushi rice, spicy tuna and green chili. Another must try is their Lengua Katsu (P695), breaded ox tongue, potato puree in lengua sauce. Their Bomba Camarones (P450) lived up to its name as the gochu-dynamite spice laden crispy shrimps really give you a blast. We also tried their Beef Cheek Tequenos (P350, 3 pieces), beef cheeks, mozzarella, salsa verde and red chili strands.

Service - 5*, reservation made and actual customer service was precise and smooth as silk

Atmosphere - 5*, quite colorful and attention grabbing exterior but neat and functional interior space

Parking - 3*, street parking but touch and go. I usually park in Century City Mall and walk...